The University of Utah women's soccer team is set to face Utah Valley on Monday night, looking to continue its winning start after clawing back from a deficit against Gonzaga. The Utes snatched a 2-1 victory in Spokane, marking an exhilarating beginning to their 2025 campaign, as they gear up to keep the momentum rolling into Orem's UCCU Stadium. According to UtahUtes.com, the kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. (MT), and fans can catch the live stream on ESPN+.
With an opening triumph that mirrored their last season's start, the Utes demonstrated their intent to quickly establish themselves as competitors. Despite outshooting Gonzaga 13-4 in the first half of that match, the Utes found themselves needing to fiercely contest a 1-0 deficit in the second half. Freshman Julia Oka fired in her first collegiate goal with a long-range shot to draw the Utes level, followed by Kelly Bullock's decisive header, her fifth career game-winner, later to secure the win. Erin Gibbs stood tall in goal for the Utes, making crucial saves to quell the Bulldogs' offensive efforts.
Looking ahead, Utah Valley presents a fresh challenge for the Utes as they dive into the rest of the season. Utah Valley has a reputation for success, being three-time reigning WAC regular-season champions, and they are once again tipped to top the conference this year. Utah Valley's attack is bolstered by Faith Webber, the lethal forward who led the nation in goals per game last year, according to UtahUtes.com. But Utes' fans have a lot to be excited about with the amalgamation of seasoned players and a fresh batch of 12 newcomers on their team.
Senior forward Kelly Bullock remains a standout for Utah, with an unwavering presence on the field, having not missed a single match since arriving on campus. Her impressive scoring track record, particularly in clutch moments, has earned her accolades, including an All-Big 12 Second-Team selection last year. Meanwhile, the Utes roster is rich with experience, featuring seven seniors and three graduate students, forming a core that has collectively appeared in a staggering 204 collegiate games. On the coaching side, head coach Hideki Nakada has fortified his staff, bringing in assistant coach Sam Gomez, a seasoned veteran with a rich history both on the field and on the sideline, as per UtahUtes.com interview.
